Some yarn is so beautiful that you're almost afraid to knit with it.
Hazel Knits isn't that kind of yarn.
I mean, the colors are gorgeous—some rich and vibrant, others muted and sophisticated—all impossible to walk past without stopping for a closer look. But what I love most about Hazel Knits is that I'm not afraid to use it. These are the skeins that become the socks you reach for over and over, the sweater that lives on the back of your favorite chair, or the shawl that stays in the backseat of your car, ready whenever an unexpected chill or breeze rolls in.
That's one of the things I appreciate about Wendy Hazel, the founder and dyer behind Hazel Knits. She creates yarn that's every bit as beautiful as you'd expect from an indie dyer, but it's also wonderfully practical. It doesn't feel overly delicate—it feels inviting. The colors inspire you to cast on, and the yarn itself is made to be enjoyed, not admired from a shelf.
Hazel Knits has been dyeing yarn in the Pacific Northwest for years, and that experience shows in every collection. There are plenty of bold, joyful colors, but they're balanced by sophisticated neutrals and subtle semi-solids that work beautifully together. Whether you're looking for a single skein for a special project or enough yarn for a sweater, the colorways feel thoughtfully designed to be knit—not simply admired.
One of my favorites is Artisan Sock. Despite the name, it's fantastic for far more than socks. It's equally at home in shawls, lightweight sweaters, cowls, and all those projects where you want a yarn that's soft, durable, and a pleasure to knit. It's also sturdy enough to stand up to everyday wear, which means the projects you make are likely to become the ones you reach for again and again.
Who Will Love Hazel Knits?
If you enjoy knitting projects that are meant to be used rather than tucked away, Hazel Knits is well worth exploring. Sock knitters appreciate the durability of Artisan Sock, while shawl knitters love the way the semi-solid colorways let stitch patterns shine without competing with them. Sweater knitters often reach for Hazel Knits because the yarn wears beautifully over time, making it an excellent choice for garments you'll enjoy season after season. I find myself reaching for Hazel Knits time and time again when I want something I know will hold up to real life—whether it's a pair of everyday socks, a cozy piece I’ll wear on repeat, or a crochet cardigan I know I'll reach for again and again.
What Makes Hazel Knits Stand Out?
What really makes Hazel Knits stand out to me is how approachable it feels. Some hand-dyed yarns seem almost too special to touch, as though they should be saved for some future "perfect" project. Hazel Knits doesn't give me that hesitation. It's the kind of yarn that makes me want to wind a skein and cast on right away.
The colors are vibrant without being overwhelming, and many of the semi-solids really shine in textured stitches, cables, and lace. At the same time, they're just as beautiful in simple stockinette, where the yarn itself becomes the star.
If you're new to Hazel Knits, I'd recommend starting with something you'll use often—a pair of socks, a favorite cowl, or a lightweight shawl. Sometimes the best yarn isn't the one that sits untouched in your stash waiting for the perfect pattern. It's the one that becomes part of your everyday life because it's such a pleasure to knit or crochet with and wear. That's probably the best compliment I can give a yarn. When I finish a project with Hazel Knits, I don't tuck it away for safekeeping—I wear it. And I suspect that's exactly what Wendy had in mind when she created it.
Is there an indie dyer you'd love to see featured in a future Meet the Indie Dyer post? Leave me a comment or send me a message. I'm always looking for wonderful small businesses to discover and share with the Treasured Yarns community.
Happy knitting!
Heidi
Treasured Yarns